The first of several funeral ceremonies began in Vietnam on Thursday for the long-time leader of the country’s Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 80. The first day of the two-day state funeral was marked by a half-mast flag ceremony at Hanoi’s Ba Dinh Square. Flags also flew at half mast at all party and government agencies as well as at companies, business centres and public locations throughout the country. During the national mourning days, all entertainment activities are suspended. Trong died due to old age and serious illness in Hanoi on Ju…